Renault outperforms DAF and Volvo in distributor’s fuel trial

Leading distribution and storage company, Downton, has taken delivery of three Euro 4 Renault Premium 450 6x2 trucks, with the Optidriver+ gearbox, following fuel trials against DAF and Volvo. The new trucks will be used on the company’s contract with UK pet store chain, Pets at Home.

Downton and Pets at Home were so impressed with the fuel efficiency of the Renault Premiums, compared to other trucks on its predominately DAF fleet, that it has another three Euro 5 Renault Premiums on order – an important conquest deal for Renault Trucks and Renault Trucks distributor, Staffordshire CV.

Ken Broster, Downton’s Contract/Transport Manager at Pets at Home, says: “We originally hired a brand new Renault Premium vehicle for the increased workload on the Pets at Home contract for the Christmas and New Year demand and noticed that fuel figures were a lot different. When we tested fuel consumption against DAF and Volvo, we found quite a difference in kilometres per litre, with the Renault Truck coming out on top - meaning key fuel savings for the customer.”

“We are extremely pleased with the new Renault Premiums - they are pulling double deck trailers with Palfinger RMFs to over 200 store locations across the country from Wick in Scotland to Truro in Cornwall and Folkestone in the South East, as well as to five stores in Northern Ireland. The feedback from drivers has also been positive, they like the smoothness of the drive, comfortable cabs and cab stability.”

The Renault Premiums will operate out of the Pets at Home NDC in Stoke and will be used to deliver many of the 4,500+ pet products such as dry and tinned food, bedding, toys, hutches, aquariums and hay to Pets at Home’s increasing number of stores nationwide.

Established in 1955, Downton is one of the South West region’s premier distribution and storage companies, operating throughout the UK, 24/7. The family business operates over 300 vehicles ranging from transit vans to 44-tonne articulated vehicles and has many high profile clients including IPC Media, Dyson, Tesco, Dairy Crest, GlaxoSmithKline and ICI.